ACT Tips and Tricks 2026: 7 Hacks to Boost Your Score Fast

Introduction

The ACT is not just an academic test; it is a Speed Test.

You have 45 minutes for 75 English questions. You have 35 minutes for 40 Science questions. If you stop to "think deeply" about a question, you have already lost.

Many Indian students switch from SAT to ACT because they prefer the paper-like format (even if digital) and the straightforward questions. But without speed strategies, they fail to finish the exam.

In this guide, we compile the ultimate ACT tips and tricks 2026. These are not generic study tips; these are specific hacks to shave seconds off every question and push your score past 30.

1. English Section Hack: The "NO CHANGE" Rule

The ACT English section is grammatically strict but predictable.

• The Hack: If you are unsure between options, pick the Shortest Answer.

  • ACT hates redundancy. (e.g., instead of "he ran quickly and fast," they prefer "he sprinted").

  • Statistically: The shortest grammatically correct answer is right about 50% of the time.

• The "NO CHANGE" Frequency: Don't be afraid to pick "NO CHANGE." It is the correct answer roughly 25% of the time. If the sentence sounds fine, trust your gut.

2. Math Section Hack: Plug-and-Chug

Unlike the SAT, the ACT does not provide a formula sheet. You must memorize formulas for Geometry and Trigonometry.

• The Hack: When you see variables (x, y) in the answer choices, do not do Algebra.

  • Pick a number (e.g., x = 2).

  • Plug it into the question.

  • Plug it into the answer choices.

  • See which one matches.

• Why this works: It turns a complex 2-minute algebra problem into a 30-second arithmetic problem.

3. Reading Section Hack: The "Map" Strategy

You have 35 minutes to read 4 long passages. Detailed reading is suicide.

• The Hack: Don't read; Map the Passage.

  • Read the First Paragraph (Intro).

  • Read the Last Paragraph (Conclusion).

  • Read the First Sentence of every body paragraph (Topic Sentences).

• Result: You now know the "Main Idea" and "Structure" in 2 minutes. Now go to the questions and hunt for specific details.

4. Science Section Hack: Ignore the "Science"

This is the most misunderstood section. It scares Commerce and Arts students.

• The Reality: It is Data Interpretation, not Science.

• The Hack: Do NOT read the introductory text.

  • Go straight to the Question.

  • Look at the keywords (e.g., "Figure 1," "Temperature," "Increase").

  • Go straight to Figure 1, find "Temperature," and see if it increases.

• Only read the text if the question asks something the graph doesn't show (which is rare). This saves you 3-4 minutes per passage.

5. The "Letter of the Day" Strategy

Since the ACT has no negative marking, you should never leave a blank.

• The Hack: If you have 1 minute left and 5 questions remaining, do not guess randomly (A, C, B, D).

• Pick one letter (e.g., "B") and bubble it for all remaining questions. Statistically, you are more likely to get 1 or 2 right this way than by random guessing.

6. Order of Attack (Science Section)

Not all Science passages are equal.

• Conflicting Viewpoints: This passage has no graphs, just two scientists arguing. It requires the most reading.

• The Hack: Skip this passage and do it last.

• Start with the Data Representation passages (Graphs only) which are the fastest to solve.

7. Time Management: The "Checkpoint" System

Don't check the clock after every question. It causes anxiety. Check at these specific intervals:

• English: Check at Question 40. You should have 20 minutes left.

• Math: Check at Question 40. You should have 20 minutes left.

• Reading/Science: Check after every Passage. Each passage must take exactly 8 minutes 45 seconds.

FAQs regarding ACT Tips and Tricks 2026

1. Is the ACT harder than the SAT in 2026?

The ACT is faster, but the questions are easier/more direct. If you are a slow reader, ACT is harder. If you are fast but make silly mistakes on tricky questions, ACT is easier.

2. Can I use a calculator for Science?

No. Calculators are allowed only in the Math section.

3. What is the most important Math formula to memorize?

Memorize the Equation of a Circle, SOH CAH TOA (Trigonometry), and Area/Volume formulas. These appear in almost every test.

4. How can I improve my Reading speed?

Practice reading editorial articles (like The Hindu or New York Times) and summarizing them in one sentence.

5. Is 30 a good score?

Yes. A 30 on the ACT is roughly equivalent to a 1370-1390 on the SAT. It makes you competitive for Top 50 US universities.

Conclusion

Cracking the ACT in 2026 isn't about being a genius; it's about being efficient. By skipping the Science text, using the "No Change" rule in English, and plugging numbers in Math, you can boost your score by 4-5 points instantly.

Speed is your weapon. Sharpen it.

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